Use of photodynamic therapy for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate

A 53-year-old white woman presented with a 5-month history of throat pain. The soft palate was biopsied and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma. She refused surgery and radiotherapy and was therefore offered photodynamic therapy which she accepted. She was treated with 20 J/cm2 at 100 mW/cm2 over a 3 cm area. She was discharged three days later having made an uncomplicated recovery, though substantial analgesia was required. Heating was complete after 2 months, with no loss of palatal function and at most. recent follow-up (16 months) there was no sign of residual disease and she remained well